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Wartburg 353 Tourist 1.3 (58 Hp)
Overall Rating
Wartburg 353:
The Wartburg 353, known in some export markets as the Wartburg Knight, is a medium-sized family car produced by the East German car manufacturer AWE for their Wartburg brand. It was the successor of the Wartburg 311 and was itself succeeded by the Wartburg 1. 3.
The Wartburg 353 was produced from 1966 to 1988, becoming the Wartburg with the longest production run. During its lifetime, it saw several changes and improvements, the most recognizable of which came in 1985 with a front facelift , a slightly different layout around the engine block, and a new carburettor....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Tourist Overview:
Wartburg 353 (Tourist). A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 0 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Wartburg 353 Tourist was produced long before modern safety standards and testing protocols were established by Euro NCAP. It lacks contemporary safety features like airbags, ABS, or crumple zones.
1.3 (58 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a noticeable improvement in acceleration and cruising ability over the 1.0L variants, making it more versatile for varied driving conditions.
Fuel Economy
Slightly higher fuel consumption than the 1.0L, still requiring the specific two-stroke oil mixture. Not particularly efficient by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Simple and robust mechanicals
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity for its class
- • Affordable and easy to maintain (for its era)
- • Distinctive two-stroke engine sound and character
- • Good visibility from the cabin
Cons:
- • Basic safety features (pre-modern standards)
- • High emissions and noise from the two-stroke engine
- • Requires oil mixture with fuel (inconvenient)
- • Limited performance and acceleration
- • Dated design and interior amenities
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(353: 1988 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Wartburg |
| Model: | 353 |
| Generation: | Tourist |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 (58 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 58 Hp |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
Does the Wartburg 353 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!